Bottom-placed Eintracht Braunschweig eased past ten-man Hanover 3-0 in their regional derby yesterday to boost their chances of avoiding relegation with five matches remaining.
The hosts took an early two-goal lead when Dominick Kumbela tapped in unmarked in the 14th minute and Havard Nielsen broke free seven minutes later to double their advantage.
An 89th minute goal by Jan Hochscheidt sealed the win in the Lower Saxony derby. Victory lifted 18th-placed Braunschweig to 25 points, two off 15th place and safety and landed Hanover in the relegation mix in 13th with 29 points.
Bundesliga
Ein. Braunschweig vs Hanover 3-0; Hertha Berlin vs Hoffenheim 1-1.
Leading standings: Bayern Munich 78; Bor. Dortmund 58; Schalke 55; Bor. M’gladbach, Bayer Leverkusen 48; Wolfsburg 47.